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Broadcasters use the term “Breaking News” to highlight an event that justifies the interruption of their regular programs. The angel’s message to Mary that God had chosen her to give birth to the Messiah surely qualifies as Breaking News. Here is how Gabriel broke the news to her, found in Luke, Ch. 1: “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true. The life-changing question for us is this: Will we accept the Messiah, the Christ, as God’s anointed King of the world and our Savior and Lord?
